Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Sep 07, 2009 02:49am | #1

   I like these - I have twelve.

   Yes.

   No joke - I have an old house, and when we re-lined all the chimneys we put in these top-mounted dampers.

   Love 'em!

    

   Forrest

   <edit>  hey - if yer REALLY interested, I can get up on the flat part of the roof tomorrow, shinny up the slope, and get a pic - the easiest chimney to get to has four in a row, like little soldiers.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/6/2009 7:50 pm ET by McDesign

1. 
   TommH | Sep 07, 2009 03:36am | #2

   No, stay on the ground... I don't want you to kill yourself. One thing I wondered about, their website video shows it being installed only with silicone...no mechanical fasteners. How did you do the installation?  I would be worried about high winds,

1. 
   ThumbBanger | Sep 07, 2009 03:48am | #3

   Used one for about 20 years, fires every Sunday morning.  Worked ok, the chain broke once and had to be mended.  Easier to install than a new damper.

1. 
   snoofy | Sep 07, 2009 05:14am | #4

   Hi, ThumbBanger, there are several top damper out there but i noticed that you mentioned the " Lock top " that is a brand of stainless steel dampers that has two models, one without a screen around the damper unit that if left on the open position for a long time animals can still get in. The other model has a stainless steel cap and a stainless steel screen around so even if you leave it open, no animals can get in. The damper comes with a small tube of silicone adhesive sealant to fasten it on the clean edge of the terra cotta flue tile. The unit with the screen is the Lock top 2, and is easy to install as long as you can get to the top of the chimney safely. It comes all pre assembled with the cable attached to the unit, but don't unroll the cable until you are sure that it will reach near the floor of the fireplace firebox floor. If you need extra cable you should splice it before you install it. The cable is standard 30 ft. length. The instructions to attach the damper handle to the firebox wall is self indicative and easy to fallow. Be safe up there.!!! 

2. 
   Pelipeth | Sep 07, 2009 10:34pm | #5

   Ditto on the "They work great". Silicone has done the trick for me for the past l7yrs. Cable is SS. Even if I were building new I'd consider installing them as I believe the seal at the top is a better one than in the firebox.

1. 
   TommH | Sep 07, 2009 10:43pm | #6

   Thanks for all the replies. Now I have to crawl up and measure the flue size or maybe I should just hire a pro. Anyone work in Central Ct.?

1. 
   FatRoman | Sep 08, 2009 03:27am | #7

   Hey Mr. Connecticut,You're wanted above.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

   View Image

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Sep 08, 2009 03:50am | #8

   LOL... thanks Steve... send the commission to the usual address?PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

2. 
   PaulBinCT | Sep 08, 2009 03:51am | #9

   Might be something I can do for you Tomm... I'd have to have a look at the website myself as I've seen them but never installed one.  If you'd like to chat about it, feel free to shoot me an email.PaulB

   http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com

   http://www.finecontracting.com

3. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 12, 2009 07:57am | #10

   I think they look funny .... but they work just fine.

   Jeff

1. 
   TommH | Sep 12, 2009 05:11pm | #11

   Jeff, I assume you mean they look funny when they are open. One of the things I like is that when closed they are nearly invisable...or am I missing something?

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 12, 2009 05:17pm | #12

   As an architect I pay more attention to chimney tops than most - probably - so I *do* notice them both when open and closed.

   Jeff

1. 
   TommH | Sep 12, 2009 05:27pm | #13

   I agree, but I really need to do something. I was thinking that if I sprayed the stainless steel top a flat black that it might be less noticable in the closed position. Is there any other product that you would recommend?

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 12, 2009 05:33pm | #14

   This is the one (or similar) that one of the local guys uses -

   http://www.dynamitebuys.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=564

   It is designed to fit onto a TC flue liner though - not sure how the stainless would terminate (below it?)

    

   Jeff

2. 
   TommH | Sep 12, 2009 05:50pm | #15

   That was the other one I was considering,but it seems to have a higher profile that the locktop (when in the closed position). I didn't understand your last comment ...my chimney has clay flue tiles,Circa 1930...I just don't know the size . It's a center chimney so I have to climb up on the roof to measure and my balance ain't what it used to be.

3. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 12, 2009 05:57pm | #16

   Sorry, my bad.   Misread and thought you were doing a stainless steel liner.

   We have one 1932 fireplace with 10" round TC flues - burns like a blast furnace ;o)

   Jeff

4. 
   TommH | Sep 12, 2009 06:00pm | #17

   No, I was referring to the stainless top of the locktop gizmo...painting it black so it won't be gleaming in the sun.